A Note From the Desk of Congresswoman Letlow

Another month has come and gone and I want to fill you in on the work our team has been up to as we head into the summer. We kicked off May with a visit to Israel, where I traveled with a bipartisan Congressional delegation to celebrate Israel’s 75 years of independence. Upon my return, I went straight to work protecting the interests of my constituents. From meeting directly with stakeholders from the state, to local businesses, and celebrating recent graduates this month, my commitment to focusing first and foremost on delivering the best possible services to the people of the Fifth District has never been more true than now. 

I remain focused on access to education, protecting taxpayers, and combatting government overreach from the Biden Administration. As we continue the work ahead for the next month, my top priority remains clear in moving forward with conservative solutions in Congress and continuing to be a fiscal watchdog for the Fifth District. 

Please feel free to always reach out directly when you have questions, comments, or concerns. Our team is also always accessible to you through this newsletter and our website. We are here to serve you.

Sincerely,

Julia Letlow, Ph.D.
Member of Congress

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Legislative Update

• As the current Administration continues to ignore the ongoing humanitarian crisis at our southern border, I proudly voted in support of the H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act. The bill will strengthen border security resources, deter illegal immigrants from taking advantage of the current immigration system, and address the humanitarian crisis the Administration has created at the border.
• My commitment to protecting our taxpayers will always be a top priority while serving the Fifth District in Congress, which is why I voted in favor of H.R. 1163, the Protecting Taxpayers and Victims of Unemployment Fraud Act. The bill would recoup stolen Unemployment Insurance payments and hold fraudsters accountable.
• House Republicans are protecting hard working Americans with House Joint Resolution 45, the Student Loan Congressional Review Act, a bill that I am an original co-sponsor of that uses the Congressional Review Act to overturn the Biden Administration’s student loan scam. The bill would nullify the Administration’s attempt to cancel hundreds of billions of dollars in student loan debt.
• Our men and women in uniform are the backbone of our society and the very sentinels who selflessly dedicate their lives to preserve the safety and security of the citizens they are committed to protecting. In honor of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our safety, I co-led H.R. 363 - a resolution memorializing law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty, which passed in the House this month with my support. I also was privileged to co-sponsored H.R. 399 - which supports the designation of the week of May 7, 2023, through May 13, 2023, as "National Correctional Officers Week."

Defending Social Security Benefits - WEP/GPO Repeal

This month I joined my colleagues Rep. Garret Graves and Rep. Abigail Spanberger to discuss the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset.

These provisions unfairly reduce our public service workers' Social Security benefits, like our educators and first responders.

This issue affects over 2.5 million Americans, including 49,000 alone in our home state of Louisiana. As I've traveled across the Fifth District, I've heard from many hardworking public servants - our teachers, firefighters, and police officers who have lost most of their Social Security benefits they paid into because of bureaucratic rule. I'm committed to working with anybody and everybody to be a voice for the thousands of Louisianans and repeal these unfair provisions.

Paying Tribute to Our Local Heroes

It is so important that we never forget what police officers do for our communities. They valiantly put their lives on the line to ensure our communities and loved ones are safe, even if it means sacrificing themselves. I had the incredible honor of introducing a Resolution commemorating our officers' ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

During my floor speech, I took a moment to honor five courageous heroes from Louisiana who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty: Walter Soileau Jr. of the Cameron Parish Sheriff's Department, Trey Copeland of the Cotton Valley Police Department, William Collins Jr. of the Doyline Police Department, Nicholas Tullier of the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office, and Louis Estay of the St. Charles Parish Sheriff's Office. These officers, and so many others, put our communities' safety above all else. I hope you all will join me in praying for these officers and their families, and continue to uplift the men and women who wear the badge each day.

Additionally, I had the honor of recognizing a local Louisianan hero on the House floor. From the halls of the state legislature, Representative Francis Thompson has been a strong and unwavering voice for North Louisiana. Representative Thompson's leadership and experience have been invaluable in shaping legislation that addresses the unique challenges faced by Louisiana.

As a fellow former educator, he has remained a champion for education. He is known for his accessibility, his willingness to listen, and his genuine care and empathy that has touched the hearts of many, creating lasting bonds that extend far beyond politics. Throughout the years, Representative Thompson has been a true friend to those he serves. It was an honor to acknowledge the remarkable contributions Francis Thompson has made for Louisiana.

Chiefs at the Capital

It is always a pleasure to spend time with Fire Chiefs across Louisiana discussing priorities for firefighters and public safety officials. Frontline workers play a critical role in keeping our state's businesses running and communities safe, and I'm proud to work with them!

Meeting with Fifth District Waterways

Great to meet with Louisiana members of the American Waterways Operators! I am thankful for their continued efforts to keep our waterways and economy flowing.

Kiddos at the Capital

I know it's going to be a great day when I'm able to bring my little ones to work! Seeing their eyes light up as they witnessed democracy in action was priceless. Moments like these remind me why I fight so passionately for a better future, both for my children and yours.

Mission Abroad

Earlier this month, I visited Jerusalem with my congressional colleagues in a bipartisan effort to strengthen the U.S. partnership with Israel. Together, we champion democracy, protect freedom, and inspire future generations. Jerusalem is a symbol of much - humanity, resilience, hope. America is grateful for our friendship with Israel.

Fueling Louisiana

I caught up with LA Propane this month to continue the work to protect consumer choice for energy sources and household appliances, and take steps to ensure the propane and gas industry can continue to research and develop new technologies.

Tigers in Town

I had the honor of welcoming our very own 2023 NCAA National Champions, the LSU women’s basketball team to the nation’s capital! I know how much dedication is required of our college athletes and I am proud that our state has the best of the best.

Congratulations Graduates!

I had the great privilege of delivering the commencement address to the class of 2023 at Louisiana Tech University. These graduates are leaving fully equipped with the skills to help shape the future through their faith, determination, and commitment to serve others. President Les Guice, Tech the Bulldog, and myself wish these graduates nothing but success!

Watch the commencement address HERE.

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